Southampton appoint Kelvin Davis as Football Development Executive

The former Saints goalkeeper will become a member of the backroom staff for the upcoming season.

Former Southampton goalkeeper Kelvin Davis has been appointed as the club's new Football Development Executive.

The 39-year-old spent a decade at the Saints and recently retired after an emotional testimonial.

New role

Davis' new day to day roles will include supporting players in the first team, mentoring players in the development phase of their careers and working closely with new manager Claude Puel.

The former number one will also be working alongside Executive Director of Football Les Reed, in order to communicate with the players.

Any young player who exits the club on loan will use Davis as a point of contact during their time away from the club.

Davis comments

Davis has called his new role an "interesting" one, claiming he is very "excited" to get started in the upcoming weeks. He also says his main aim is now to "communicate" with the manager and ensure all players in the dressing room are "where they need to be."

The former Sunderland shot-stopper also claimed due to his "experience" at the club, it was important for him to pass it on to younger players.

Davis went on to state that he "delighted" to be staying at the club, which is to be expected after ten years at St. Mary's.

Davis at his testimonial earlier this year: Photo source: Saints FC

Playing career

Davis spent many of his younger years in the lower divisions. Spells at Luton Town, Hartlepool United and Torquay United dominated his early years before he made the switch to Wimbledon AFC.

Three years at Ipswich Town and Sunderland followed before a £2 million move to the South Coast. Davis spent the next ten years at Southampton and retired in May of this year. He was club captain between 2009 and 2012.

He made 618 career appearances, 271 of which were at the Saints. It is no surprise he has decided to remain in football on a day-to-day basis.